What is Hibernate Framework?

Hibernate is an Object/Relational Mapping solution for Java environments. Object-relational mapping or ORM is the programming technique to map application domain model objects to the relational database tables. Hibernate is a java based ORM tool that provides a framework for mapping application domain objects to the relational database tables and vice versa.

Hibernate provides a reference implementation of Java Persistence API, that makes it a great choice as ORM tool with benefits of loose coupling.

Note that JPA is a specification and Hibernate is a JPA provider or implementation.

What is Spring Data JPA?

Spring Data is a part of Spring Framework. The goal of Spring Data repository abstraction is to significantly reduce the amount of boilerplate code required to implement data access layers for various persistence stores.

Spring Data JPA is not a JPA provider. It is a library/framework that adds an extra layer of abstraction on the top of our JPA provider (like Hibernate).Read more about Spring Data JPA at Spring Data JPA Tutorial(you will learn everything about Spring Data JPA here)Now you are familiar with Definition of JPA, Hibernate and Spring Data JPA. Now let's discuss the difference between Hibernate and Spring Data JPA.

What Is the Difference Between Hibernate and Spring Data JPA?

Hibernate is a JPA implementation, while Spring Data JPA is a JPA Data Access Abstraction. Spring Data offers a solution to GenericDao custom implementations. It can also generate JPA queries on your behalf through method name conventions.

Spring Data JPA is not an implementation or JPA provider, it's just an abstraction is to significantly reduce the amount of boilerplate code required to implement data access layers for various persistence stores.Hibernate provides a reference implementation of Java Persistence API, that makes it a great choice as ORM tool with benefits of loose coupling.Remember, Spring Data JPA always requires JPA provider such as Hibernate or Eclipse Link etc.I hope this article useful to you. You can find more answers to this question at StackOverflow here.